At the conclusion of a three hour contest against Ajla Tomljanović, the legendary tennis career of Serena Williams ended. It was almost like nobody wanted it to end.
Serena very much left it all out on the court this week at the US Open. She took care of Danka Kovinić in the first round and then defeated No. 2 ranked Anett Kontaveit in the second round. Unfortunately, Serena was unable to progress any further, and Tomljanović defeated her in the third round 7-5, 6-7, 6-1.
All love for Serena after Ajla Tomljanović takes the match ❤️ #USOpen pic.twitter.com/rgdKRW30G1
— ESPN (@espn) September 3, 2022
Even if you aren’t a tennis fan, you could appreciate what Serena and Venus Williams have done for the sport of tennis. Serena even said in her post-match interview, “I wouldn’t be Serena if it wasn’t for Venus.” The two of them transformed the sport. For women and for Black women, making tennis a sport for all.
Serena ends her career with the following accomplishments:
- Four gold medals
- Seven Australian Open singles titles, four doubles titles
- Three French Open singles titles, two doubles titles
- Seven Wimbledon singles titles, six doubles titles
- Six US Open titles, two doubles titles
- 73 career titles, 23 grand slam
- Held #1 ranking for 319 weeks (third most)
- Held #1 ranking for 186 consecutive weeks (tied for first)
Many showed their appreciation for the GOAT as she enters the next chapter of her life.
What a ride it’s been.
Thank you, @serenawilliams 💙 pic.twitter.com/OEURHryJxV
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 3, 2022
🧡 Greatness 🧡
Thank you for the unforgettable moments and memories that inspired us all. Forever a champion.#RolandGarros | @serenawilliams pic.twitter.com/lpWVyD7mzM
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) September 3, 2022
🏆 S 🏆 E 🏆 R 🏆 E 🏆 N 🏆 A 🏆@serenawilliams, thanks for all the memories Down Under. #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/GZapYIBOED
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) September 3, 2022
Her incredible career made its mark on tennis history.
And yet her greatest contributions may be yet to come.
Thank you, @serenawilliams.
Your journey continues. #serena #USOpen https://t.co/0wDFfRN3Dq
— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) September 3, 2022
Thank you, #Serena. pic.twitter.com/uOoxOZomd8
— Be A King (@BerniceKing) September 3, 2022
To @serenawilliams:
𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮. 🐐 pic.twitter.com/oOEpVXC3cO
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) September 3, 2022
to whoever is employing me on my last day before retirement:
i promise you i’m not gonna try anywhere close to as hard as serena is trying on her last day before retirement
— Shea Serrano (@SheaSerrano) September 3, 2022
"I wouldn't be #Serena if it wasn't for Venus." #usopen pic.twitter.com/MdpT77cFDP
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) September 3, 2022
I’m so grateful for @serenawilliams. What she has given this sport and us will never be lost on me. #ThankYouSerena
— Allyson Felix (@allysonfelix) September 3, 2022
Serena fighting until the last point, always. You've given so much to tennis, and so much to womens sports. Thank you @serenawilliams
— Alex Morgan (@alexmorgan13) September 3, 2022
https://twitter.com/andyroddick/status/1565891953945894912?s=20&t=pNpejC3xpc37UignDCW0EA
Greatest of all time @serenawilliams! You will be missed. 🐐 #serena #USOpen2022
— Carli Lloyd (@CarliLloyd) September 3, 2022
I was lucky enough to watch Serena warmup and then play in a US Open semifinal one year and to see her play in person, you didn’t have to know anything about tennis to know that you were seeing an artist out on the court. It’s been one incredible career that we may never experience again.
About Phillip Bupp
Producer/editor of the Awful Announcing Podcast and Short and to the Point. News editor for The Comeback and Awful Announcing. Highlight consultant for Major League Soccer as well as a freelance writer for hire. Opinions are my own but feel free to agree with them.
Follow me on Twitter and Instagram @phillipbupp